What is Unapologetically Ersatz?

Unapologetic
adjective un·apol·o·get·ic \ ˌən-ə-ˌpä-lə-ˈje-tik \
Definition of unapologetic : not apologetic : offered, put forward, or being such without apology or qualification an unapologetic liberal
— unapologetically \ˌən-ə-ˌpä-lə-ˈje-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Ersatz
adjective er·satz \ ˈer-ˌsäts , -ˌzäts ; er-ˈzäts , -ˈsäts ; ˈər-ˌsats \
Definition of ersatz: being a usually artificial and inferior substitute or imitation ersatz turf ersatz intellectuals
— ersatz noun

I’ve got finer taste than I can afford. I’ve got champagne taste and a High Life budget. I own a Dior bathrobe, but I found it at the thrift store. I like cashmere sweaters and merino socks but I have a lot of trouble justifying paying retail for them.

I’m unapologetically ersatz.

I’ve been knitting since I was 16 years old and over the years I’ve also become something of a fiber snob. I never knit with Red Heart because I can find less squeaky yarn for the same price online. I know that I can create a garment better than I can afford, if I put in the work and source the materials myself. If I’m going to go to all the trouble of knitting myself a sweater, I want to make it in a natural fiber that I know will keep me extra-warm in the winter time. I’m a fan of vintage outfits, so when I decided I wanted a 1930’s style evening gown, I spent $20 on 5,000 yards of cotton crochet thread and cast it on size four needles.

Is it as fancy or high end as a well-cared for, mint condition, genuine silk vintage gown cut on the bias in 1930? No, of course not. But I bet I’ll feel really glamorous swanning around my house in a huge lace skirt and train. Do I have anywhere to wear it? No, I do not. Does that matter? It also does not. I’m a free American and I can wear whatever I want no matter how impractical inside my own house.

That’s unapologetically ersatz.